The History of Chainsaws – When and Why were they invented?
What's so interesting about the history of the chainsaw? Everybody knows what a chainsaw does. Images of plaid-clad lumberjacks may come to mind, felling trees with nothing but their trusty chainsaw. Or maybe you think of horror movies, where the evil killer chases the teenagers around the house with a chainsaw. Regardless, you know what a chainsaw does. But do you know the history behind what they were originally invented to do? It may shock you…
The 18th Century – Wait, Used for WHAT?
The history of the chainsaw is a very gruesome one. The first ever chainsaw was simply a serrated chain held between two handles, a lot different to what we have now. Fundamentally, it was the same concept – but a VERY different use.
The early chainsaws were designed by two Scottish doctors, James Jeffray and John Aiken, in the 1780s. Unlike chainsaws today, these were designed not for cutting wood, but for a medical procedure called the “symphysiotomy”. This was often used during childbirth (yes, CHILDBIRTH!) to widen the cartilage of the pubic area.
A gruesome thought, for sure. The symphysiotomy, or pelviotomy, is thankfully an outdated surgical procedure that isn’t used anymore. No more chainsaws to the groin! But back then, it was commonplace.
The 19th Century – Hope you’ve got Anesthetic!
As medical science progressed, the chainsaw continued to be used in surgical procedures. It was often used in amputations, or other surgeries that required the doctor cut through bone.
Around this time, specifically in 1830, the “osteotome” chainsaw was invented. Designed by a German orthopaedist named Bernhard Heine, the osteotome was an instrument powered by a crank, which used links of chain with small cutting “teeth” set at an angle. Sound familiar?
The 20th Century – Time to get Motorised
In 1905, the first ever patent of a chainsaw for cutting wood was granted to a man from San Fran named Samuel J. Bens. His idea was to use his tool to cut down giant redwood trees. After Sammy’s idea, a Canadian millwright by the name of James Shand developed the first portable chainsaw – but after he let the rights lapse around the 1930s, his invention was continued by the German company Festo (now under the name Festool).
As technology developed, so did ways to automate the mechanics of the chainsaw. Andreas Stihl, whose name may sound familiar to some, patented and developed the first electric chainsaw and a gasoline-powered chainsaw in 1926 and 1929 respectfully. He then founded Andreas Stihl AG & Company KG, or just “Stihl” as it’s known commonly today.
Other major contributors to modern chainsaw technology include Joseph Buford Cox, who invented and developed the “chipper’-type chain for chainsaws. He based this design on the unique C-shaped jaws of Timberman Beetle larva. Another contributor was Emil Lerp – who actually beat Andreas Stihl to the first ever gasoline chainsaw in 1927! He was a former business partner to Stihl, but went on to form his own company named Dolmar; named after the hill he tested his chainsaw prototype on.
Chainsaws today
Advancements in chainsaw technology over the last several decades have made way for the chainsaws we have now: Small, Portable and easy to use! Chainsaws were once a two-to-three-person job, but now it’s just another power tool you can use by yourself if you need it.
Chainsaws nowadays are used for much more than just cutting down trees – wood and ice sculptors expertly use their chainsaws to design fantastic designs, and firefighters use them to clear burning wood and ventilate burning structures. They’re even used in the military!
We’ve come a long way since the days of chainsaw surgery. But it’s interesting to dive into the history of such an iconic power tool, especially with a history like that!
Hope you enjoyed this brief lesson on the history of the chainsaw – check back soon for more content like this!